Lab Director: Dr. Breanne Wylie

Breanne E. Wylie is an Assistant professor of lifespan developmental psychology in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University. She completed her Ph.D. (2022) in Lifespan Developmental Psychology at Brock University, in Canada. She then completed a two-year Banting postdoctoral fellowship at the Gould School of Law, University of Southern California.

Research interests: Dr. Wylie is a developmental psychologist who studies adult-child communication in a variety of contexts. Largely, she studies how children’s developing communication skills intersect with the legal system and best-practice interviewing. She aims to understand and improve children’s ability to accurately report experiences when questioned by adults (e.g., lawyers, police officers, nurses, teachers, etc.). Her program of research uses a multi-methodological approach to address her research questions, using both laboratory (e.g., assessing children’s linguistic development and understanding of questions using child friendly tasks) and field-based (e.g., coding transcripts of child witness testimonies) methods.

Dr. Wylie’s work has important real-world implications! As a Research Associate for the Canadian Child Interviewing Research Team, she works works closely with practitioners in the field to understand evidence-based methods for improving children’s testimony on the stand and in forensic interviewing practices.

bewylie@ncsu.edu // Research Gate //Google Scholar 

Madison Lattimore

Madison Lattimore is a Ph.D. student in the Lifespan and Developmental Psychology at NC State University. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from UNC Greensboro. She is particularily interested in studyign child development, and how children discuss sensitive topics with authority figures. She aspires to a career in research and enjoys exercising and spending time with her Yorkie, Khloe.

Caleigh Vocke

Caleigh is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science from Greensboro, North Carolina. She aims to become a forensic psychologist driven by both her interest and passion in how law and psychology intersect and how this can improve mental health resources available to incarcerated populations. She joined the Law and Development lab to gain hands-on experience in the field and insight on the importance of proper conduct in forensic interviews. Outside the lab, Caleigh is a peer mentor for incoming Psychology students and has enjoyed working with College Mentors for Kids as a General Manager. In her free time, she likes to exercise, go to coffee shops and hang out with family and friends. 

Ashley Murphy

Ashley is a senior studying Psychology with minor studies in criminology at NC State! She has an interest in Forensic psychology and dark triad mental illnesses. Ashley has a passion for rehabilitation through mental health. Through the lab, she gains hands-on research experience within a forensic setting. Away from the lab, Ashley is a member of Best Buddies at NC State and volunteers with the Miracle League of the Triangle. She also teaches children yoga, dance, and fitness classes.

Payton Sheffield

Payton is a Junior studying Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Forensic Science. She is interested in the psychological factors that drive criminal behavior, and plans to pursue a career in criminal law. She is excited to join the lab to apply her knowledge and strengthen her research skills. Payton is also a research assistant in the Adult Cognition and Emotion Lab, serves on the Honor Board for Alpha Xi Delta and the Greek Honor Society, and is the former president of NC State’s Student Conduct Board. Outside of school, she works as a Legal Assistant and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. In her free time, she loves fitness classes and spending time with friends!

Ava Marsh

Ava is a Junior majoring in Psychology at NC State. Ava is passionate about working with children, with the hope of earning her doctorate and becoming a therapist . In the lab, she is excited to work on research with children and get involved with data collection. Outside of school, she loves to read, work out, and hang out with friends. 

Hannah Gregory

Hannah is a Sophomore studying Psychology with minor studies in Criminology and Forensic Science at NC State. Hannah is interested in developmental and forensic psychology and is looking into different career options that combine those interests. By joining the lab, she is excited to gain experience and build skills in many aspects of research. Outside of the lab, Hannah loves to explore creativity through writing, art, and music with her friends.

Chloe Hammonds

Chloe is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Criminology at NC STate. She is from Lumberton, NC, and a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe. She plans to pursue graduate studies in forensic psychology and hopes to expand mental health resources in rural and underserved communities. Passionate about bridging mental health and criminal justice, she is excited to join the Law and Development Lab to explore real-world applications of psychology. Outside of academics, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking, vlogging, and freelance makeup.

Ella Salvaggio

Ella is a Junior studying Psychology and Criminology. She is interested in forensic psychology, specializing in working with children. Working in the lab provides insight into how children communicate and think in a legal setting. Outside of the lab, she loves to read, travel, work, and hang out with friends.

Abby Dunn

Abby is a Junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Social Work at NC State university from Richmond, VA. She is enthousiatic about working with children and is particularly interested in child development, and emotional wellbeing. Outside of the lab Abby loves to cycle, listen to music, and hang out with friends!

Molly Pembleton

Molly is a Junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biological Sciences! She is interested in attending grad school, with the long-term goal of earning a PsyD in clinical psychology with a specific focus on children. She is excited to join the lab to gain research experience, and explore how research in psychology can guide effective, age-appropriate ways of understanding, supporting, and communicating with children. 

Jessica Tolliver

Jessica is a Junior majoring in Psychology and Anthropology at NC State. She is passionate about working with children and plans to become a child psychologist after graduate school. By joining the lab, she hopes to gain hands on experience in a research setting and improve her data collection skills. Outside of the lab, she is Co-President of Psychology Club and a Pack Assessment Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her cat.